Are you aware that Lance Gibbon, one of our worship team members, has a Christmas album? This collection of instrumental renditions of Christmas classics is available (for free) to listen to online, download to an MP3 player, burn to a CD, and/or share with family or friends.

Plan now to come celebrate the birth of Jesus at our joy-filled, home-spun Christmas Eve Candlelight Service! Invite your friends and family to join us for singing, laughter, and worship on Friday, December 24th at 7:00 or 9:00 pm. The doors will open 30 minutes beforehand.

Again this year, we’ll be broadcasting live video and audio of the service over the Internet! Watch them live by visiting this web page and clicking on the “video webcast” link, which will be available that evening. Now available to view on smart phones, too! (Note: You may wish to connect by WiFi if you don’t have an unlimited data plan.) Click here for more information.

On Sunday, December 12th at the 9:00 and 11:00 am services in the sanctuary, the Children’s Church drama and choir team will be performing the Christmas musical “Back to the Manger.” Come support our kids and be inspired by their holiday message and music.

There will be no Children’s Church classes for kids in 1st through 6th grades that Sunday. Instead, they are invited to attend church with their families in the sanctuary to watch the production. The preschool and Kindergarten classes are to check into their clubroom as usual.Later, they will come to the sanctuary together as a class and perform a couple of songs before the production begins. Nursery through 2-year-old clubrooms will be open in the Ark.

Christmas card blessings

Each year His Place people have generously sent Christmas messages of hope and cheer to the prisoners in Monroe. This wonderful tradition sends a little Christian cheer into the state prison.

Please sign up for an inmate list this Sunday, and make your cards and encouragement a special part of their holiday season. (Your personal information will not be given in any way to the recipients.) Your simple gift makes a big difference to these guys! For more information, contact Steve Schell at 420-2876.

Ladies’ Christmas event December 3rd

All His Place ladies are invited to this year’s Christmas event, called “Wrapped in the Light of His Love”. We’ll
enjoy a dessert social with variety show entertainment on Friday, December 3rd from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the sanctuary. Purchase tickets for $5 each at the church this Sunday! Childcare will be available on a limited, reserved basis. We also need volunteer help. Please call Debbra Sligar at 661-7875 or Shannon Cross at 540-0370.

Operation Christmas Child

You and your family can share the love and hope of Jesus with a needy child by participating in this year’s Operation Christmas Child! Volunteers from this mission project will hand-deliver your shoebox of gifts to a child in need, somewhere around the world, along with Christian literature in his or her own language.

Pick up a brochure at the church this week, or visit the Operation Christmas Child website. Then purchase gifts for your Christmas Child and pack your shoebox (standard-size only!) according to the instructions. Then on Sunday, November 21st, be sure to bring your “box of blessings” to the church as we gather together all our Christmas Child gifts during the morning services.

Follow your box! Give your donation online (to help with shipping costs) and you’ll receive information on how to “follow your box” to its destination. Or, you can include a donation of $7 per box.

Since 1993, more than 68 million gift boxes have been given to children in need in 145 nations through Operation Christmas Child. Click here to learn more about this enormous outreach of love to the world's children.

Arktoberfest pictures

If you came to Arktoberfest on Halloween evening, you might find your picture in the Children's Church photo album. If you missed Arktoberfest, be sure to check out all the funny, cute, and creative costumes! You'll find the Arktoberfest 2010 photo album, along with all the Children's Church albums, here. Or you can click here to go directly to the photos!

Marriage conference at Semiahmoo Resort

The Weekend to Remember marriage conference is coming to Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine on two successive weekends, November 12-14 and 19-21. This is a great way to reconnect as a couple through being together in a beautiful setting, enriched by excellent speakers sharing compelling insights from God’s blueprint for marriage.

The group tuition rate has dropped to half-price this year. Save $159 per couple by registering with the His Place group. Typically the hotel fills a month or more before the conference, so reserve your hotel room and register for the conference right away! Registration at the group rate is available until the day before the conference. Click here for more information about this conference and registration.

Arktoberfest: Halloween carnival

Dress up and bring your family and friends to Arktoberfest, here on Sunday, October 31st from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, soft pretzels, mini donuts, and much more will be available to purchase, so you can even have dinner at the carnival! Punch cards worth 15 carnival games are on sale today at the table in the back. What a great gift for friends, neighbors and grandkids! Click here to see pictures from last year.

Carnival games, prizes, pony rides, a cake walk, three huge bounce attractions, good food, and fun are all coming to Arktoberfest. Dress up (no scary/evil costumes, please) and bring your family and friends here on Halloween night, next Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

Arktoberfest helpers needed

Carnival games, prizes, pony rides, three huge bounce attractions, good food, and fun for all will be found at Arktoberfest on Halloween night! To ensure a night full of fun, we need 250 volunteers to help during the week and the night of the carnival. We also need 200 cakes donated for the cake walk. If you are interested in helping in one or more of these areas please sign up at the table in back or contact Linda Brown at 757-8961 or e-mail lindab@hisplacechurch.com.

Child Dedication October 24th

At His Place we baptize with water when a person has reached an age of accountability. We dedicate infants and toddlers as a special observance, praying over them and declaring their parents’ commitment to raise them as children of God. If you wish to dedicate your child on Sunday, October 24th during second service, please sign up this Sunday at the counter in the lobby or contact the church office.

If you are a single, you are invited to the upcoming 9-week series Boundaries by renowned authors Townsend and Cloud. Together we will learn Godly habits while developing lasting friendships through fellowship and enjoying lots of laughter! Our get-acquainted kick-off will be Friday, October 15th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Youth House. Please see Brenda or Joel at the back table today to learn more.

Men’s Fraternity: time change

Our next Men’s Fraternity meeting will be this Wednesday, September 29th at a new time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the sanctuary. It’s not too late to join this video series, which offers a clear and compelling definition of what it means to be a man, extends the challenge to develop a personalized manhood plan, and then inspires and equips you to incorporate the Quest into the fabric of your everyday life. Click here for more information.

Guys and gals, come clean

Our church home is kept clean by dedicated volunteers. We are in need of a few new team members, to work just twice a month for about an hour, to vacuum a carpet or clean a bathroom. See Kim at the church this Sunday, or call her at 421-6802, to join others like you who have chosen to “come clean”!

Abundant Life Retreat

You’re invited to the Abundant Life Retreat, coming October 8-10. The format is simple: you come to a quiet, secluded place and spend time with God. Just you and the Lord (and the 35 or so others who have gathered for the same purpose). You’ll enjoy great food, warm fellowship, worship, and rest in the beauty of Fort Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island. The cost is $80 per person, and includes meals and lodging. To register, or to find out more about Abundant Life Retreats, visit www.abundantliferetreats.org or call Steve or Sharon Schell at 770-3469.

Her Place @ His Place

Ladies: Join us as we kick off another year of “Her Place @ His Place” this Saturday, October 2nd from 9:30 am to noon in the sanctuary. Bring a friend to enjoy the morning of food and fellowship. We’ll spend some time in worship, listen to a main speaker, and participate in workshops.

Visit hisplaceladies.com for more information and to register so we can prepare appropriately, or contact Marianne Manville-Ailles at 391-0375. The suggested donation for this event is $5 per person, paid at the door.

Nuts & Bolts of the Faith

New to Christianity and/or have questions? Want to brush up on basics? Come to the Nuts and Bolts of the Faith class beginning Sunday, October 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Boat Shed. This 8-week series’ topics will be “The Church” and “The Second Coming” taught by Tom Holladay and Kay Warren. Sign up and purchase your books at the church this Sunday.

Financial Peace University

Many American families are deeply in debt,
creating destructive stress and conflict in their
lives and relationships. Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University provides biblically-sound and highly-motivating principles and strategies for overcoming financial chaos and debt to find financial peace.

Financial Peace University is a 13-week class to be held Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, September 12th through December 12th. Get more information and sign up for the class (or the August 29th preview) at the church this Sunday or call Steve Hall at 770-2034 (e-mail him at svenhall@hotmail.com) or Todd Thompsen at 445-3535.

Ladies’ Bible study starting next month

All ladies are invited to enroll in our next Bible study, Me, Myself & Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover. We will meet at the church to review the weekly lesson in small discussion groups, followed by an insightful video teaching by the author, Jennifer Rothschild.

Groups meet Tuesdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm, or Wednesdays, 10:00 am to noon for this 7-week study that begins September 21st (evening) or September 22nd (daytime). Enrollment ($20) is at the church this Sunday. Remember, late registrations are no longer permitted so be sure to enroll yourself and your friends by Sunday, August 29th.

Baptism coming September 12th

If you would like to be part of our next baptism, pick up a baptism packet at the church. Participants must return the Baptism Interest Response form to the church office by Monday, August 30th. Then, attend the baptism class at 10:30 am on Sunday, September 12th at the front of the sanctuary. Baptism will be held that Sunday in the pool next to the Ark, following 2nd service.

Looking for a way to get “plugged in”?

If you’re looking for an opportunity to be part of the His Place ministry, then the Ark is calling you! We are looking for a crew of about 80 fun-loving people to help in the Ark each Sunday from September through August. Teacher
and helper positions are available for both services. We prepare the entire curriculum and provide subs when you need a day off. Caffeine and sweets are prepared for all volunteers who show up on time!

We are also looking for about 20 leaders for small groups, set-up, tear down, teaching, games, and more for our “tweens” midweek program on Wednesday nights, called Studio A. It doesn’t get any better or more rewarding than this! Interested? Sign up this Sunday at the church, or contact Linda Brown at 757-8961.

MOPS starting September 21st

Moms: If you have children from newborn to 5 years old, you are invited to MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). MOPS is a great opportunity to get to know other moms, build relationships, enjoy yummy foods, and learn ways to become the best mom you can be. MOPS starts on Tuesday, September 21st at 9:30 am in the sanctuary and will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from September to May. Sign up today at the church this Sunday. We look forward to getting to know you better! For more information, contact Kim Betz at 336-1051.

MOPPETS looking for volunteers

Calling all volunteers! MOPPETS (children of MOPS moms) from newborn to 6 years old would love to spend time with you on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from September to May. MOPPETS will start on Tuesday, September 21st in the Ark, concurrent with the MOPS meeting. What a great opportunity to impact the next generation for Christ! There is an opportunity to receive pay for each meeting. Sign up at the church this Sunday, or Contact Debbie Larson at 757-2247 for more information.

Prime Time barbecue coming up

Meet old and new friends from His Place who are in the “maturing adult” crowd. Come to the Prime Time barbecue at beautiful La Conner Flats on Sunday, August 22nd at 12:46 pm.

We’ll have tantalizing food and fun that’s over the top! Come and experience Prime Time; you’ll be glad you did! Tickets are $12 and available this Sunday at the table in the back of the sanctuary.

Camp Firwood photos now available

Photos from Camp Firwood of our Children’s Church camp, which is in session August 1sth through 7th, are available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

“High Seas Expedition” day camp photos online

Daily pictures from the High Seas Expedition day camp, running July 12-16, are now available online! Click here to find them in the children’s photo albums.

Sign up for “Simple Suppers”

What better way to connect with your church family than over a meal? Sign up to attend “Simple Suppers” potluck dinners being held in host homes all over Skagit County on August 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th. You can sign up at the church this Sunday.

Co-ed golf tournament

The His Place annual co-ed golf tournament is coming next month! The tourney will take place Sunday, August 8th at Similk Beach Golf Course in Anacortes. We’ll have a shotgun start, beginning at 2:15 pm, followed by a barbecue afterwards including hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and soda. The cost is $40 per person, which includes everything. Come out for a great day of golf, food, and fellowship! Sign up at the church this Sunday, or contact Todd Harris at 840-3834 for more information.

Purchase items for RFKC kids

Our first Royal Family Kids Camp for abused and neglected children in our community (ages 7-11) is in its final preparations. You can make a significant impact by purchasing one of the following items for one of these 30 children: a personal hygiene kit, blanket fabric, a stuffed animal, or a small birthday gift. Or, help to build our supplies with a basketball, a hula hoop, sidewalk chalk, and more. Items range in price from $7 to $20.

To help provide a memorable and fun week, stop by the table in the back of the church this Sunday to select the item you would like to give. Purchases will be collected at the church for the next two Sundays.

Camp volunteers are also still needed for one or more days and evenings during the first week of August. For more information, contact Dave and Kim Rudy at rfkcskagit@ymail.com or 840-8361.

Hosts needed for “Simple Suppers”

What better way to meet some of the people you worship with every week than a simple evening together, enjoying delicious food? If you are interested in hosting four families (including your own), or a singles- or adults-only Simple Supper, visit the sign-up table at the church this Sunday. Hosts are needed for August 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th.

Noah’s Boat Float raffle ticket sales

Support our children’s and youth camps by purchasing a boat (or a fleet of boats) that will float in the church pool June 27th to compete for some awesome prizes! Prizes (worth $1000 each) include: a Dine In or Out Package, a Landscaping Package, a Laptop Computer Package, and a Weekend Family Vacation Package. The bonus drawing (if you purchase a fleet of tickets) will compete for a $500 cash prize. Visit the church to buy tickets or for more information.

Men’s Small Group Kickoff Breakfast

Men: Come enjoy an awesome, catered breakfast and fellowship with other men at the Men’s Small Group Kickoff Breakfast on Saturday, June 26th from 7:30 to 9:00 am. Larry Wersen will be sharing his heart about men and small groups, and the history of His Place.

Come and find out about the exciting new men’s program coming this fall, sign up for a small group study through the summer, and contribute to building of the men’s ministry. Visit the information counter this Sunday to purchase tickets, which are $15 each.

5th & 6th grade pool party

On Sunday, June 13th we are honoring our 6th graders on their last day in Children’s Church. We will have a pool
party for all 5th and 6th grade students during the 9:00
and 11:00 am services, at the pool next to the Youth
House. A signed permission form, appropriate swimwear, and a towel will be needed.

Day camp leaders needed

Ahoy, mateys! It’s time for all you leaders to jump on board the Ark for our High Seas Expedition Day Camp, coming July 12th through 16th. Are you ready for the voyage of a lifetime? We’re hoisting the sails and gearing up to have waves of fun this summer, as we lead kids on the expedition of a lifetime exploring the mighty love of God.

We’re looking for 50 seaworthy leaders who are ready to put on their deck shoes and set sail for an experience they’ll never forget! If you’re ready to be part of the High Seas crew, please contact Linda Brown at 757-8961 or send her an e-mail.

Move-Up Luau June 16th

All graduating 6th graders are invited to join the Ignition “Move-Up Luau” Wednesday, June 16th from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. This is the night where we welcome the incoming 7th graders to Ignition and celebrate and pray for our graduating seniors! Bring your friends for a free barbecue and swim, worship, and a great message by Chris Herbert.

Graduates recognition on Sunday

On Sunday, June 13th at our Sunday morning services, we will be honoring all graduating high school and college students. We will ask them to stand as we recognize their achievements, and pray for the Lord’s continual guidance and protection for their future.

Her Place @ His Place

His Place ladies: Join us for Her Place this Saturday, June 5th from 9:30 am to noon here in the sanctuary. This month we’ll be kicking off summer together for our last meeting until September. Please visit www.hisplaceladies.com or contact Debbra Sligar at 422-7030 to register yourself and your guests so we can prepare appropriately for the food and gifties.

As usual, we’ll enjoy food and fellowship, spend some time in worship, hear a main speaker and then enjoy some workshops together. Bring a friend! The suggested donation for this event is $5 per person, paid at the door.

Staff needed for Royal Family Kids Camp

We are looking for volunteers to help with Royal Family Kids Camp that will be held August 2-6, 2010. There are several different positions still available. Visit the table at the church this Sunday to pick up an application. For more information, please contact Dave and Kim Rudy at 416-0250 or send them an e-mail.

Royal Family Kids Camp“Drive-By-Giving”

Help support Royal Family Kids Camps at the “Drive-By-Giving” on Friday, May 7th, from 6:00 to 10:00 am, at all three Skagit locations of Cruisin Coffee. All tips and donations received will go directly to support these camps, developed specifically around the needs of abused children. For participating Cruisin Coffee locations visit the RFKC website. If you have other questions, contact Dave and Kim Rudy at 416-0250 or send them an e-mail .

“Her Place” Tea Party

His Place Ladies: Join us for an extra special Her Place this Saturday, May 1st from 9:30 am to noon in the sanctuary: a cozy tea party! From pretty cups to scones and lemon curd, you are in for a treat; invite a friend! Visit hisplaceladies.com or contact Debbra Sligar at 661-7875 to register yourself and your guests.

As usual, we’ll enjoy food and fellowship, spend some time in worship, hear a main speaker and then enjoy some workshops. A suggested donation of $5 per person may be paid at the door.

Family Game Night May 2nd

Bring the whole gang for an evening of family fun on Sunday, May 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the back of the sanctuary. We will be playing bingo, with great family prizes! Each person will receive one free bingo card, and we will have pizza, pop, and popcorn available for purchase. Space is limited, so reserve your spot at the table in the back this Sunday or call Linda Brown at 757-8961.

Membership Celebration April 25th

So, you read through the membership manual, listened to the CD, turned in your commitment card, and now you are ready for our next Membership Celebration. How exciting! The next celebration will be Sunday, April 25th from 12:30 to 1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Visit or call the church office to sign up.

Blood drive sign-ups

The His Place annual blood drive will be held on Saturday, April 17th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and on Monday, April 19th from noon to 6:00 pm, in the church sanctuary. Sign-ups will be available through Sunday, April 11th at the church or you can call Cheri Stillwell at (360) 675-5535 to make an appointment to donate blood.

Everyone is invited to take some time out from their busy schedules this Friday, April 2nd for our Good Friday service. Join with your family and friends for worship, reflection, and communion. This contemplative hour of intimate worship will be in the sanctuary, starting at 7:00 pm.

DivorceCare

DivorceCare is a seminar and support group providing help, hope and healing for those who are separated or divorced and are looking for Biblical wisdom and support to deal with the pain, and rebuild for the future. Sessions will meet in the Ark from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Thursday evenings, February 11th through May 13th. Sign up this Sunday at the church.

What better way to meet some of the people you worship with every week than a simple evening together, enjoying delicious food? If you are interested in hosting four families (including your own), or a singles- or adults-only Simple Supper, visit the sign-up table at the church this Sunday. Suppers may be hosted on March 13th, 14, 20th, or 21st.

Souper Bowl Sunday

On Sunday, February 7th we will be participating in The Souper Bowl of Caring with over 16,000 churches nationwide in an effort to benefit local food banks. Everyone is invited to bring a can of soup or a dollar bill, which will be collected at the back of the sanctuary following both services.

Haiti relief donations

If you would like to contribute toward assistance for victims of the earthquake disaster in Haiti, you can donate at the church on Sunday, or during the week. All funds will be distributed though World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, of which His Place is a member. Please make checks payable to World Relief. You can also contribute online at their website; visit www.worldrelief.org.

This year's Candlelight Service was broadcast live on the Internet, and you can still see it! If you missed the service, or would like to see it again, click here to view it.

Church office closed Monday

The church office will be closed Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Jason Gray featured here Sunday

On Sunday, January 3rd our morning services will feature the music and ministry of Jason Gray. Known for writing music for the heart, mind, and spirit, his songs combine various styles – such as rock, folk, and soul – while effectively expressing the Gospel.

Jason was the featured artist on this fall’s Sanctus Real tour, and his newest CD, titled “Everything Sad is Coming Untrue”, has received accolades from many reviewers. The mini-concerts at 9:00 and 11:00 am next Sunday are free of charge, so be sure to invite your friends and family to join us as we enjoy “a morning with Jason Gray.”